Three Minute Thesis

Three Minute Thesis Logo

The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) Competition celebrates the exciting research being performed by graduate students and cultivates their academic, presentation and research communication skills by challenging them to present their research to a non-specialist audience in three minutes (180 seconds!) or less using only one PowerPoint slide. Developed by the University of Queensland (UQ) in 2008, the 3MT® Competition is currently held at 900 colleges and universities across more than 85 countries .

The Graduate School will host 91ÉçÇø's 7th annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition on February 9th, 2025. 

Prizes:

  • 1st Place: $1,000.00
  • 2nd Place: $600.00
  • 3rd Place: $400.00
  • People’s Choice: $250.00 (selected via audience vote at the conclusion of the event)

Eligibility Rules:

  • Students who are pursuing a research doctorate and who have been admitted to candidacy (ABD) from are eligible to compete.
  • Students should be in the final stages of their graduate career so that they have sound conclusions and impacts from their research.
  • Students must be in good academic standing (GPA of 3.0 or higher).
  • All research presented must be associated with 91ÉçÇø.
  • Alumni and previous winners are not eligible to participate. Past participants are welcome to participate again. 

How to participate in the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition:

  • Step #1 - Discuss your interest in participating in the 3MT Competition with your faculty adviser. Obtain their approval to participate and present your research.
  • Step #2 - Attend a (not required). 
  • Step #3 - Submit the by 5:00 p.m. on January 15th. [*Note: When selecting your presentation title, please try to avoid technical jargon and choose a title that is short, catchy and true to your research.]
  • Step #4 - Individualized support starting in December.
    • One-on-one guided prep. 
    • Judge-led workshop on best practices.
    • Individualized feedback from . 
  • Step #5 - Final title and PowerPoint slide due in early February.

Presentation Rules:

  • A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. No slide transitions, animations or ‘movement’ of any description are allowed. The slide is to be presented from the beginning of the oration.
  • No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) are permitted.
  • No additional props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted.
  • Presentations are limited to 3 minutes maximum and competitors exceeding 3 minutes will be disqualified.
  • Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g. no poems, raps or songs).
  • Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter begins speaking.
  • The decision of the judging panel is final. 

Judging Criteria:

The goal is for the presenter to successfully engage a non-specialist audience and effectively convey the excitement and innovation of their research. Presentations will be evaluated by a diverse judging panel focusing on:

Content and Comprehension 

  • Presentation provided clear motivation, background, and significance to the research question
  • Presentation clearly described the research strategy/design and the results/findings of the research
  • Presentation clearly described the conclusions, outcomes, and impact of the research

Communication and Engagement

  • The oration was delivered clearly, and the language was appropriate for a non-specialist audience
  • The PowerPoint slide was well-defined and enhanced the presentation
  • The presenter conveyed enthusiasm for their research, captured and maintained audience’s attention

Previous 91ÉçÇø winners are listed here. 

Watch winning 3MT presentations from around the world online . 

Questions?

Please contact GradSchoolPD@binghamton.edu with any questions or concerns you may have regarding the 3MT Competition or your eligibility to participate.